November 6, 2023
Originally thought of as more for personal use, cloud storage for business is following in the footsteps of many personal technologies adapted for business purposes. And post-pandemic, cloud solutions of all kinds are rapidly becoming the norm.
Cloud storage is convenient and cost-effective, and top cloud storage providers have invested in robust security. However, that doesn’t mean you can go on autopilot completely. In this blog, our experts explain the basics of cloud storage and how it works so you can make good decisions.
What Is Cloud Storage for Businesses?
The cloud is really just a network of servers that store apps and files, where they can be maintained, managed, backed up, and accessed remotely.
Data stored in the cloud is accessible by any device at any time as long as permissions are in place. The risk of data loss will never be zero — there’s always a chance that you can lose data in cloud storage…or anywhere else, for that matter. But despite the amazing accessibility cloud storage provides, data stored there can also be extremely secure.
Benefits of Cloud Storage for Business
It’s not just you. Many businesses struggle to migrate their data and processes to the cloud. Whether your current on-premises data storage seems sufficient or you simply haven’t taken the time to consider cloud storage, reviewing these advantages is a good place to start.
1. Cost Savings
The first benefit, and perhaps most important in the minds of many business owners, is the cost advantage. Cloud storage is generally more affordable because providers distribute the costs of their infrastructure and services across many businesses.
Moving your business to the cloud eliminates the cost of hardware and maintenance. Removing these capital expenditures and the associated service salaries can translate into significant cost savings. Just how much you’ll save depends on your current data storage costs, but just as an example, Myers-Briggs was able to reduce its total data storage costs by at least 50%. You should also consider the increased productivity cloud storage allows.
2. Simplified Convenience
Once your data is stored in the cloud, all you’ll need is a computer and an internet connection. Much of your server hardware will no longer be necessary, which saves physical space and eliminates the need for regular maintenance.
Additionally, your cloud storage provider will maintain, manage, and support your solution. This frees up employees who would otherwise cover the tasks necessary for keeping your data safe and your server(s) up and running.
3. Enhanced Security
Your cloud storage will be housed in a data center on multiple servers, so there’s no single point of failure. Cloud providers also understand that their entire business revolves around their ability to protect your data, so they’ve invested in world-class security. The cloud also makes backing up your data quick and easy. And in the event that you ever have to restore data from a backup, that’s quick and easy as well.
4. Mobility Opportunities
While you're waiting for a flight at the airport, at home with a sick child, or working remotely full-time, you can still work efficiently. And if you work from multiple devices, you won’t have to worry about manually adding the latest file onto each device. Instead, the newest version of your document is stored in the cloud and will be easily accessible from any of your devices.
Cloud storage is one of those things that, once you’ve made the switch, it’s hard to think about going back to the old way of doing things. Migrating strategies may differ, but once you get there, everything gets so much easier.
5. Scalable Service
With cloud storage, you pay for what you use as you use it. You do not need to anticipate how much storage space you will need for the year and risk paying for unused space or running short. You can adjust the resources available through cloud storage providers and pay based on your current needs. Any changes can be made in a few clicks.
The cloud can level the playing field for small to midsize businesses, but again, getting there can be a challenge.
6. Easier Collaboration
Ever had multiple versions of the same document floating around, causing all sorts of confusion? With cloud storage, your staff can all collaborate in real-time on the same document, so important work isn’t wasted.
Key Security Features by Provider
Microsoft One Drive/Office 365
Microsoft OneDrive features connect files across Office 365. With user visibility and controls for security, OneDrive for business offers capabilities like sync reports and help with migration. With protections for data recovery, whether it's the result of accidental deletion or malicious attack, admins can easily and seamlessly manage security policies to keep information safe.
Google G-Suite
With Google G-Suite, remote teams can stay connected — and do it safely — with premium video infrastructure built on Google's robust and secure global infrastructure. Built-in security features keep data, devices, and users protected, as all files are automatically backed up in the cloud.
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services provides a flexible, yet secure cloud platform for businesses. With top-notch encryption and barely there downtime hours, Amazon Web Services protect customers' information, identities, applications, and devices. Automating manual security tasks makes it easier to focus on core work initiatives.
How a Managed Services Provider Can Help
We got our start as a small typewriter and office supply shop in 1973, and we’ve come a long way. We work for organizations of every size, but we obviously have a soft spot for small to midsize businesses (SMBs) that just want a fair shake. When you just don’t have the deep IT benches you need to get ahead in the cloud — or anywhere else — that’s where we come in.
Our cloud services include:
- Backup & Disaster Recovery
- Backup as a Service (BaaS)
- Cloud Computing
- Cloud Migration
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Microsoft365 in particular is known for its cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, but proper configuration depends on who’s using what apps, and for what purpose. As a Gold Certified Microsoft Partner and a CSP Tier 1 provider of Microsoft Cloud Services, we’re happy to help!
But if you’re still in the research phase, we’ve put together a free tool to help you understand exactly what cloud services could do for your business — you’ll just need to answer a few questions related to your organization and current infrastructure. Click the button below to get started!
